New Nantucket Lyme Disease Research: Targeting Tick-Borne Illness at the Source
Nantucket Island, part of Cape Cod, remains one of the most highly endemic regions in the United States for tick-borne diseases, including Lyme disease and Babesia. As cases rise nationwide, a groundbreaking project on the island is exploring a new way to interrupt the spread of infection directly at its ecological source. As a Lyme-literate naturopathic doctor, Dr. Susan Marra closely follows emerging research like this to stay at the forefront of innovative strategies for diagnosing, managing, and preventing Lyme disease.
Why Nantucket Is Central to Tick-Borne Disease Research
Red light therapy utilizes low-level light wavelengths to penetrate the skin and underlying tissues. Ticks in the Northeastern U.S. spread a wide range of pathogens, and the region’s dense ecosystems create the perfect environment for high transmission rates. Nantucket, in particular, has long struggled with elevated rates of Lyme disease—making it an ideal location for studying and testing new prevention strategies.
One of the most important pieces of the puzzle is the white-footed mouse, a small mammal that serves as a primary reservoir for Lyme disease, Babesia, and several other tick-borne pathogens.
A Novel Strategy: Genetic Modification of the White-Footed Mouse
Targeting the Reservoir Host
The centerpiece of this Nantucket Lyme disease research project is the use of genetic modification techniques to reduce disease transmission at the mouse level. By altering the DNA of the white-footed mouse, scientists hope to create a population that is resistant to the pathogens responsible for tick-borne illness.
How This Could Reduce Lyme Transmission
If white-footed mice can no longer harbor or spread the bacteria responsible for Lyme disease or Babesia, ticks feeding on them would fail to pick up the infection. Over time, this could lead to a dramatic decrease in infected ticks—thereby lowering risk for humans and pets across Cape Cod and beyond.
This represents one of the most promising and innovative approaches to Lyme prevention developed in recent years.
Why This Research Matters
Tick-borne diseases have increased significantly across North America, pushing researchers to explore new tools beyond repellents, pesticides, and traditional wildlife management. The Nantucket Lyme disease research model is unique in its focus on ecological, genetic, and long-term prevention strategies.
If this research is successful, it may offer:
- A sustainable reduction in disease-carrying ticks
- Fewer human infections over time
- A framework that could be adapted to other regions with endemic Lyme disease
- A major advancement in the field of vector-borne disease prevention
This is a truly novel and forward-thinking approach, and I am excited to see how the project evolves and what impact it may have on future public health strategies. Before this type of scientific intervention becomes available to the public, it’s still essential to stay informed and protect yourself during peak tick season. Dr. Marra recently shared practical guidance in a related article, Ticks in Summer 2025: What You Need to Know.
Further Information & Media Coverage
60 Minutes Feature: Genetically engineering mouse DNA could be key to curbing Lyme disease
About Dr. Susan Marra
Dr. Susan Marra is a world-leading and Global Lyme Alliance Award-winning Lyme-literate Naturopathic Doctor specializing in the treatment of vector-borne diseases, including:
- Lyme disease
- Bartonella
- Babesia
- Relapsing fever
- Ehrlichia
- Anaplasma
- Tularemia
- Q fever
- Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
- Rickettsia species
Dr. Marra also treats neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s), Post-Covid and Long-Covid conditions, anti-aging concerns, and environmental illnesses such as mold exposure. Trained by Lyme experts Dr. Richard Horowitz and Dr. Charles Ray Jones, Dr. Marra has extensive expertise in diagnosing and healing tick-borne disease.
Contact Dr. Susan Marra Today!
If you’re seeking expert support for Lyme disease, tick-borne infections, or complex chronic illness, Dr. Susan Marra is currently accepting new patients. You can learn more about her services or book an appointment online or by calling her office directly at 206-299-2676. You can also explore additional resources on her website, follow her updates on Facebook, or watch educational content, “Medical Minutes,” on her YouTube channel.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this article (including text, graphics, images, and video content) is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician before beginning any new healthcare regimen and never disregard medical advice based on content you have read or viewed online.